A stowaway kitten was rescued by the freeway service patrol Monday morning after it jumped into the wheel well of a commuter's car, according to the California Highway Patrol.
(
California Highway Patrol
)

OAKLAND -- A stray kitten clogged traffic during the morning commute in Oakland on Monday after it jumped into the wheel well of a car stopped in traffic along Interstate 580, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The tiny feline was uninjured and was quickly adopted by a passing motorist, Officer Sean Wilkenfeld said.

About 8:45 a.m., a woman stopped in traffic in the fast lane of I-580 west near the High Street exit told officers she watched the kitten jump from the center divider into the wheel well of her black Saab.

"She was afraid to drive because she knew she would injure the kitten so she got out to coax it out," Wilkenfeld said. "That didn't work, so she dialed 911."

Shortly after, a worker with the Bay Area Freeway Service Patrol, which repairs, moves or otherwise assists disabled vehicles for free, arrived and pulled out the kitten, which did not have a collar.

"While we were waiting and debating which shelter to take the cat to, a passing driver adopted the animal on the spot," Wilkenfeld said.